The Chicago Bears are in the market for a new general manager and here are thumbnail sketches of 11 potential candidates, several with ties to the organization.

Chris Ballard, Chiefs director of player personnel

Longtime college scout for the Bears, Ballard was promoted to become the director of pro scouting in Phil Emery's first season with the team before departing to work under John Dorsey in Kansas City. He's handled pro and college scouting responsibilities in Kansas City. Was the Bears' Southwest area scout from 2001 to 2011 and there was no area the team went to more often for players. Helped draft Pro Bowl players like Matt Forte, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris, Johnny Knox and Nathan Vasher. Also was the scout that worked with failed picks such as Cedric Benson and Mark Bradley. Knows the lay of the land at Halas Hall and was well liked. Was considered a leading candidate for the Buccaneers GM job last year before he removed himself from consideration.

Morocco Brown, Browns vice president of player personnel

Former Bears assistant director of pro personnel for seven seasons, he joined the Browns staff under GM Ray Farmer a year ago after a six-year run as the Redskins director of pro personnel. Bears' Super Bowl run in 2006 was fueled by a series of free-agent moves which is how the club built the line and much of the offense. Credited with bringing wide receiver Pierre Garcon to the Redskins. Had a two-year stint as a scouting assistant with the Redskins before the Bears and worked as a scouting intern for the Colts. Played college ball at North Carolina State where he was teammates with Cardinals GM Steve Keim.

Key contributor to the ongoing success of the Ravens. His contract virtually ensures him of being the GM-in-waiting when Ozzie Newsome retires so it would take a perfect situation for him to consider an out clause in his deal. The Bears might not offer that. Originally joined the Ravens in 1996 and moved up through the ranks as an area scout, director of college scouting, director of player personnel and now assistant GM overseeing the entire operation. Will be in high demand if any team senses he might be ready to strike out on his own but most doubt that happens.

Brian Gaine, Texans director of pro personnel

Assistant GM of the Dolphins for six seasons, he moved to Houston this past year where the Texans enjoyed a strong turnaround from a disastrous 2-14 season. Before going to Miami he worked three years as the assistant director of pro scouting for the Cowboys following a six-year run with the Jets where he rose to the level of assistant director of pro scouting. While background is heavy on the pro side, he's also played a hand in draft work.

The Bears selected John Fox as the 15th coach in franchise history.

Tom Gamble, Eagles vice president of player personnel

Has played a role in working with 11 playoff teams in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Indianapolis. Worked as the director of player personnel and director of pro personnel for the 49ers and has a deep background in pro and college scouting. Worked under Bill Polian for the Colts. Once a quality control coach for the Jets, he's also done work for the Ravens and Panthers.

Scot McCloughan, consultant

Has experience with some highly successful organizations as he laid the groundwork for the roster that Jim Harbaugh guided to three consecutive NFC Championship Games. Left his position as GM of the 49ers before the 2010 season. Also worked alongside Seahawks GM John Schneider as they reached the Super Bowl. Previously worked for the Packers and grew up in the industry as his father was a longtime personnel man for the Raiders.

George Paton, Vikings assistant general manager

A former assistant director of pro personnel for the Bears under Mark Hatley, Paton just completed his seventh season in Minnesota working with GM Rick Spielman. The Vikings have been extremely aggressive in the draft in recent seasons with seven first-round picks in the last three years and have pulled off some successful trades like dealing away wide receiver Percy Harvin to the Seahawks. Has a hand in the college scouting process as well. The Vikings won consecutive NFC North titles in 2008 and 2009 and sent 10 players to the Pro Bowl after the 2009 season – five via the draft, four from free agency and one the product of a trade. Worked for six seasons as the director of pro personnel for the Dolphins.

Duke Tobin, Bengals director of player personnel

Has worked in Cincinnati since 1999 and has proceeded to help put together a roster that has now reached the playoffs in four consecutive years with an owner that generally is averse to spending big money in free agency. The Bengals also have a very small scouting staff in comparison to other organizations and the club has consistently hit with mid- and late-round draft picks. It's possible the Bengals could consider giving him the title of GM as the team does not have one. Has ties to the Bears as his father is Bill Tobin, the club's former GM, and his uncle is Vince, the defensive coordinator under Mike Ditka after Buddy Ryan departed.

Lionel Vital, Falcons director of player personnel

Just completed his second season in current role after previously being an assistant in personnel. Works closely with GM Thomas Dimitroff in the college scouting process. Previously was a national scout for the Ravens and held the title of assistant director of college scouting for the Patriots from 2001 to 2004. Has also worked for the Jets and Browns in a 23-year scouting career.

Eliot Wolf, Packers director of pro personnel

Considered young at 32 but two lieutenants of Ted Thompson that have struck out on their own have had success in John Schneider in Seattle and John Dorsey in Kansas City. The son of highly regarded personnel man Ron Wolf, he has worked in Green Bay for the past 11 seasons, the last three as the director of pro personnel. While he has a background heavy on the pro side, the Packers also involve him in college scouting during the season and he plays a role in the draft.

Brian Xanders, Lions senior personnel executive

Could the man that traded Jay Cutler from the Broncos to the Bears be a possibility to join the Bears? It's impossible to argue Xanders didn't win that trade. He's completing his second season as an assistant under GM Martin Mayhew in Detroit and previously Xanders worked five years in Denver, the final four as the general manager. Had highly productive drafts in Denver and Broncos became only the third team since the 1970 NFL merger to win its division and a playoff game with a new head coach following a four-win season the previous year. Prior to going to Denver had long run in front office of the Falcons.